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Meet Pasquale Petrella, Lead Spacecraft Engineer, Calian Advanced Technologies. In June, Pasquale embarked on a cycling journey across Canada to raise money and awareness for cancer care. Follow his journey here (Instagram, Facebook) or support him here. 

Tell us about your background.   

I am a Montrealer through and through. I was born and raised in the city, and I’ve lived on the island my entire life. All my schooling has been in the city as well—I graduated from McGill University with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. 

I started my engineering career with Oerlikon Aerospace, a Swiss-based company operating out of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu on the south shore of Montreal. I was involved in integration and testing of the ADATS Missile System, an air defence anti-tank system procured by the Canadian government. This testing and analysis role also enabled me to witness and evaluate missile launches at Canadian Forces Base Suffield, White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, and in Prachuap Khiri Khan in Thailand. 

I originally joined the SED Satellite Operations team as a member of the Oerlikon crew in 2000. In 2005, I became a permanent member of SED Systems (which is now part of Calian, Advanced Technologies). 

Can you tell us about your upcoming “Support for Cancer Wellness” initiative?  

The target of my charity is the West Island Cancer Wellness Centre (WICWC), which provides compassionate care and support to people with cancer and their loved ones.  

My spouse Chantal was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. After a few procedures, including surgery, it was off to radiation treatment. While in treatment, Chantal discovered WICWC—a place where she could go to exercise, consult with physiotherapists and massage therapists, and do other wellness activities all free of charge. This helped her to rebuild her strength, both physically and mentally, in a comfortable environment. 

We would like to raise awareness and funds for the wonderful work WICWC performs, and to help ensure they can continue to assist others in need. 

My plan is to arrive in Vancouver in early June and cycle back to Halifax through Montreal. This trip will cover approximately 5,800 kilometres—with me riding at an average of 100 km per day, six days a week. Chantal will be in the support vehicle throughout the trip, which I expect to last a total of three months. 

What made you decide to cycle for this cause? 

I used to be a weekend cyclist, riding a few hundred kilometres every year. Then in December 2008, I tore my quadricep muscle while tending goal in a recreational indoor soccer game. I required surgery and a 6-month rehabilitation as a result. 

My physiotherapist suggested I increase my cycling, which is an excellent exercise for building up quad muscle strength without too much strain. In 2010, I ended up cycling 8,000 km both indoors and outdoors. When I put that to Google Maps, I realized that I had essentially cycled across Canada—and that is when the idea was originally born. 

Fast forward to March 2021, and I tore my OTHER quadricep muscle, which led me back to the same rehab routine. Not long after, that’s when my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. 2021 was not a good year for us! But it made me more determined than ever to do “THE RIDE.” 

I believe that life is a circle—and when we receive, we should also give. This ride is my way of giving back. I’m up for the challenge! 

What is your role at Calian? Tell us about the type of work you do. 

I am part of a Calian Team of employees performing Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite operations for SCISAT, NEOSSat, RADARSAT-2, and the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) at the Canadian Space Agency.  

As lead spacecraft engineer, my role is to provide technical leadership and coordinate overall activities for satellite operations. As a member of the on-call rotation, I also make recommendations to the Canadian Space Agency to resolve new spacecraft anomalies.  

Our team’s role is to ensure satellites stay healthy and can continue to perform their respective missions well beyond their expected life cycle. As an example, SCISAT was to be a two-year mission—and now it’s in its 21st year of operation! 

Part of my time is also dedicated to training new personnel as they grow into the role of spacecraft engineer. 

What do you like most about working for Calian?    

I am not the first Calian employee to say this—the people! I can’t emphasize this enough—I enjoy working as a cohesive team to solve whatever spacecraft problems arise. I am fortunate to be involved with such a priceless group of individuals. 

Do you have a favourite story from your time at Calian? 

I have had the privilege of being a member of four separate spacecraft launches. Although each is different, nothing can ever prepare you for the suspense and anticipation of the first scheduled contact. The wait seems never-ending—but the first sign of telemetry is always exhilarating (“We made it”)! Calian has mostly been part of the overnight shift for these launches, and although I cannot define the “why,” I feel that those odd hours help bring our team even closer together. 

What keeps you busy outside of work?   

Nice days are spent cycling. I hit the road a few times a week and cycle anywhere between 3,000 and 5,000 kilometres every summer. A traditional event is an annual ride with some Calian colleagues as we venture around the perimeter of the island of Montreal, ending the trek at a local microbrewery!  

In the winter months, my wife and I take ballroom dance courses. We’ve been dancing for 12 years and really enjoy the social aspect of the dance evenings as well.  

I am also an avid F1 fan and have attended close to 30 F1 race weekends here in Montreal.